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UN, US, EU Pledge Extra Measures to Protect Libya's Unity

Sputnik News

18:23 03.12.2014(updated 18:54 03.12.2014)

The world community promises to do its best to secure Libya's integrity. After the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi the country slid into a civil conflict that resulted in two governments existing in parallel.

MOSCOW, December 3 (Sputnik) – A number of European countries, the United States, as well as the United Nations and the European Union have issued a joint statement Wednesday in which they pledge to take extra measures to defend Libya's unity amid the ongoing hostilities.

"France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, the EU and the UN reiterated their calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and underscored their willingness, if key stakeholders fail to participate in the UN-led process, to consider additional measures to protect Libya's unity, stability and prosperity, and to counter expanding terrorist threats to Libya and the region," the statement published on the US Department of State website read.

According to the joint statement, the current situation in Libya has caused "grave concern".

The statement comes as foreign ministers from the named countries have gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing violence between the Libyan government and different militia groups.

Violence has been sweeping through Libya since 2011, when Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown. Numerous militia groups armed with weapons that they have seized from government ammunition depots have been rebelling against the authorities in a bid to take control of the country.

The fights resulted in two governments existing in parallel. Omar al-Hassi, backed by armed groups, became a prime minister next to the internationally recognized head of the Libyan government Abdullah al-Thinni.

According to the joint statement released on Wednesday, a new round of talks is expected to take place on December 9. The negotiations will be convened by Bernardino Leon, Special Representative for UN Secretary-General.

© Sputnik